Paralegal Diploma program
Program Status: Currently accepting applications
The paralegal profession offers you an exciting and rewarding career that is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014. A paralegal assists in preparing for and attending hearings, conducting legal research, interviewing clients and witnesses, managing evidence, and drafting legal documents. The responsibility of a paralegal is diverse. They complement the work of legal counsel and handle any substantive legal work that is not limited to counsel by statutory provisions and other restrictions.
In this program, you will study the basic foundation and structure of the Canadian legal system and become familiar with litigation and legal research processes. In addition, you will develop skills in computer programs as they apply to the practice of law. You’ll also learn fundamental knowledge about the formation of contracts, breach of contracts, and remedies for the breach of contracts and will become familiar with the terminology, policies, and procedures applied to estate planning, wills, trusts, estate taxes, estate sales, and joint tenancy.
Family and criminal law are other principle subjects that will also be covered in this program. Family law specializes in divorce, separation, custody, adoption, guardianship, and community property. Criminal law covers common law, statutory crimes and punishment, crime classification, principles of liability, and basic criminal procedure concepts.
Classes are taught by attorneys and experienced paralegals who possess exceptional academic and professional qualifications. This program blends substantive legal study with instruction and hands-on practice in paralegal skills.
Small class sizes offer individualized attention.
For more information, contact Mandy Watts at 604-795-2847 or 1-888-504-7441, local 2847, or email mandy.watts@ufv.ca
Entrance Requirements
1. BC high school graduation or equivalent. Non‐graduates aged 23 or older may be considered on an individual basis.
2. Students must meet the prerequisites for CMNS 125. See the online calendar at http://www.ufv.ca/calendar/2012_13/CourseDescriptions/CMNS.htm for current course prerequisites.
3. Successful completion at the post‐secondary level, and within the past two years, of a Legal Administrative Assistant certificate program that includes a practicum.
4. One year of relevant work experience is preferred.
OR
5. Two years legal secretarial experience and current employment in a law firm.
Additional documents required for a complete application:
6. Proof of 60 wpm typing speed (attach copy of certificate)
7. Willingness to undergo a security records check for practicum purposes
8. A 500‐word written statement outlining reasons for wanting to take the program
9. Satisfactory interview with instructor(s). Applicants should be prepared to discuss their career goals and knowledge of the field and are expected to demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and life skills.
Continuing Studies administers typing tests, please contact 604-851-6324 to book a typing test date.
How to Apply
Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form online at http://www.ufv.ca/Assets/Admissions+and+Records/Forms/Application+for+Admission.pdf.
What kind of courses will I take?
Here are the core courses for the Paralegal program:
(PRLG 100) Introduction to Law
(PRLG 105) Legal Office Procedures
(PRLG 110) Information Technology and the Legal System
(PRLG 115) Evidence
(PRLG 120) Family Law
(PRLG 125) Criminal Law and Procedures I
(PRLG 130) Intellectual Property Law
(PRLG 135) Wills and the Probate Administration Process
(PRLG 140) Property Law
(PRLG 145) Criminal Law and Procedures II
(PRLG 150) Contracts I
(PRLG 155) Corporate and Commercial Law
(PRLG 200) Litigation I
(PRLG 205) Insurance Law
(PRLG 210) Torts I
(PRLG 215) Administrative Law
(PRLG 220) Contracts II
(PRLG 225) Litigation and Its Alternatives
(PRLG 230) Legal Research and Writing I
(PRLG 235) Torts II
(PRLG 240) Legal Research and Writing II
(PRLG 250) Paralegal Practicum
Fees and Additional Costs
The estimated cost for tuition is $7,600, with an additional fee of $500 for materials and supplies, due at first class. In addition to the above costs, students will be required to purchase textbooks. See the Fees and Other Costs section for additional information. This program will not normally be eligible for financial aid.
Program duration
Courses for this two year diploma program will be offered two evenings a week (5-8pm) plus Saturdays for eleven months per year. At the end of the program, students are required to complete a six-month practicum (for a total of 75 program credits) in order to graduate.
Last updated July 2012.
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